Beer has been an essential part of many civilisations’ drinking traditions for ages. It’s a treat for special occasions and a daily treat for everyone. There has never been an opportune moment to sample the wide variety of tastes offered by these drinks than with the proliferation of craft breweries. What, however, distinguishes one pint from another? The answer is in the beer tap, a simple but essential appliance. Here we’ll take a look at the many beer taps on the market and discuss the science and art of pouring the ideal pint.
When ale was first served from wooden barrels, the origins of beer taps can be found in the Middle Ages. The liquid may be emptied from these barrels by their plain wooden or metal spouts. Contemporary beer taps, on the other hand, didn’t first appear until the late 1800s.
Beer taps, in their most basic form, are useful for two things. In the first place, they make it possible to pour beer without worrying about bacteria or other foreign particles floating around in the air. Secondly, they aid in controlling the flow velocity of the beer, which in turn prevents the formation of excessive froth and ensures a uniform pour.
Various kind of beer taps are available nowadays, and they all have their advantages. Now, we’ll examine a few of them more closely:
Pull Tabs for Faucets
In bars and restaurants all across the world, you’re likely to see faucet taps, which are also called pull tabs, used for beer. They have a lengthy handle that is connected to a valve mechanism within the keg. The beer is released from the keg through the spout when the handle is dragged downward, which releases the valve. Beer may be dispensed with less foam and waste because to this design’s controlled flow.
Taps to Push
In order to release the beer from a push tap, you must push the lever, as opposed to pulling it, as is the case with taps. The convenience and cleanliness benefits of push taps have led to their rise in popularity, even if they are still less common than pull tabs. Because users don’t contact anything other than the tab itself, push taps tend to stay cleaner than tap taps, which can develop dirt and grime over time.
Digital Taps
Modern technology and time-honoured design come together in electronic beer taps. You can see the name of the beer, the amount of beer left in the keg, and the current temperature readings on the digital screens. Installing and operating some models is further made easier with built-in CO2 regulators. Perlick is a well-known manufacturer of electronic taps known for their innovative and dependable devices.
Nitrous Oxide Fountains
Certain tools are needed for the accurate dispensing of nitrogenated beer, sometimes known as nitros. The fermentation process involves the introduction of nitrogen gas rather than carbon dioxide, the gas normally used to carbonate ordinary beers. Nitros, in contrast to regular lagers and ales, are characterised by a creamier mouthfeel and smaller bubbles. Nitro taps use specialised aeration stones that break up nitrogen bubbles while keeping the beer flowing steadily, preventing excessive foaming. The most well-known nitro beer is probably Guinness, and to serve it properly, one needs a “surge glass” made for the purpose.
There is a lot more to think about than simply the mechanics of the tap, even if that is the main purpose of beer taps. Equally important in achieving reliably high-quality pours are correct handling and maintenance procedures. Bar owners and bartenders should keep the following in mind:
Preciousness matters! Sanitise the taps well before and after each use, being especially careful around the grommet and threads, which are common places for accumulation. Rinse well after using the high-quality cleaning solutions suggested by the manufacturer.
Properly storing your kegs in the fridge will keep the beer fresh for longer and lessen the chances of deterioration or off flavours. Keep ideal temperatures between 2 degrees Celsius and 6 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep the sediment from settling too quickly and ruining the flavour, try not to move the kegs too much.
Educate your employees: Make sure that everyone working with the beer taps is familiar with the correct way to fill glasses, prevent waste, and manage the kegs effectively. Errors will be minimised and consistency will be promoted across numerous sites through regular training sessions.
Make sure your taps are measuring accurately by using the calibration instruments that came with your equipment on a regular basis. On occasion, you might have to make some adjustments due to variations in ambient temperature, wear and tear on components, or how often you use the product.
Keep an eye on stock levels: To avoid running out of beer at the last minute, make it a habit to check the remaining contents of each keg on a frequent basis. If you want to avoid losing money due to squandered goods or missed sales chances, it’s best to avoid ordering either too little or too much.
In conclusion, there are a number of things to think about when selecting a beer tap for your business. These include the kind of beer you sell, how you want your customers to perceive the tap, and the atmosphere you want to create. Each and every one of your clients’ sips of beer will be perfectly completed if you adhere to correct handling and maintenance practices, establish efficient training programs, and keep a careful eye on inventory levels.